Japan plans record defense budget for fiscal 2027

Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to request a record 8.9 trillion yen for its fiscal 2027 defense budget, a figure that could potentially reach 10 trillion yen when including unspecified items. If approved, this would mark the 15th consecutive year of budget increases.

The proposed spending focuses on three strategic areas: the deployment of interceptor drones and air defense networks utilizing laser and microwave technology; the integration of artificial intelligence and big data into the Self-Defense Forces' command systems; and the expansion of long-range missiles capable of striking enemy bases.

Additionally, the Ministry intends to establish a new International Policy Service to manage foreign defense cooperation and is considering an independent body to promote defense equipment exports. These moves have drawn criticism from media outlets like Mainichi Shimbun and sparked domestic protests, with critics arguing the shift toward offensive capabilities challenges the nation's pacifist constitution and could escalate regional tensions in East Asia.